The Lead: The Cougars of Clark University and the Engineers of MIT battled for 91 minutes on a crisp fall night in NEWMAC action, the Engineers pulling off the 2-1 win in the first minute of OT with a goal by senior Olivia Struckman (Scottsdale, Az.).

HOW IT HAPPENED

-The Engineers got on the board first in the 33rd minute on a goal by Struckman who struck from the top right of the box. Sophomore, Chessa Hoekstra (Portland, Maine) assisted on the goal.

-Later in the first half, Clark freshman Inonge Kaloustian (Bowie, Md.) was taken down from behind in the penalty area. Clark was awarded a penalty kick on the play. With Kaloustian injured on the play, Clark junior Eliza Meltzer (Framingham, Mass.) calmly stepped up and buried a shot passed the outstretched arms of MIT goalkeeper, Lily Mueller (Lakeville, Minn.).

-Heading into the half in a 1-1 tie, both teams came out starting the 2nd half with great scoring opportunities. MIT was given a scoring opportunity at the 36:00 mark off a free kick that was blocked by a stout back line of Clark defenders. Clark sophomore, Katie Barber (East Hampton, Conn.) followed with a great shot at the 35:11 mark, that was turned away by Mueller.

-Both teams battled it out in the midfield for the remainder of regulation, each having tremendous opportunities in the last two minutes of play. Clark gained the offensive momentum at the end of regulation with a shot that brushed the cross-bar and almost ended the game. With neither team able to convert the game ultimately went to overtime.

-In the first minute of overtime play, Struckman was able to sneak in behind the Cougar defense and finish on a shot from the top right of the box.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

-The Engineers outshot the Cougars 36 to nine. The Cougars had seven of their nine shots on goal, while the Engineers saw 15 of their 36 shots find goal.

-The Engineers held the advantage in corner kicks, eight to two.

-Two yellow cards were administered in the game, one to each team.

-Julianna Christy (Plainville, Conn.) made an outstanding 12 saves in net for Clark while Mueller posted six saves for the visitors.

QUOTE FROM COACH BRIENNE SMITH

"I am unbelievably proud of our effort tonight. We put 7-9 shots on goal tonight and tested the MIT goalkeeper more than she has been tested this year. We stayed extremely organized defensively and battled one of the toughest offensive teams in the country. This is a very good MIT team and I think we put up a fight and caused them some real problems. My hope is that this effort will give the team confidence as we travel to Springfield on Tuesday. We are in for another battle for sure."

UP NEXT:

-Clark will travel west down the MassPike to NEWMAC rival, Springfield College for a Tuesday night match at 7:00 p.m.

-MIT will take a full week off before hosting NEWMAC foe Mount Holyoke College on Friday October 6th, kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m.